JP2009093358A - Electronic function card and card connector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide thin electronic functional cards each storing a memory chip or the like, having almost the same shape and allowing internal electronic circuit types to be easily identified and to provide a card connector on which the electronic functional card is mounted. <P>SOLUTION: A case 1 of a first card C1 has a symmetrical rectangular shape with respect to a center line O-O. Guide identification grooves 6 and 6 are formed so as to be recessed from a surface 1a to the middle of thickness at a right side section 1e and a left side section 1f, and intermediate recessed sections 8 and 8 are formed so as to be recessed from the surface 1a to the middle of the thickness behind that. Length L1 of the guide identification grooves 6 and 6 is different according to the type of the internal circuit. Therefore, when guide identification grooves 6 and 6 are guided by a card connector, the length is detected so as to recognize the type of the internal circuit of the card. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic functional card in which an electronic circuit such as a memory chip is housed in a small and thin case made of synthetic resin, and a card connector to which the electronic functional card is attached.

  As described in the following patent documents, a small and thin electronic function card called a memory card is mounted and used in a digital camera, a digital video camera, or a personal computer. This electronic functional card contains a memory chip, an IC chip that functions as a memory controller, and the like in a small and thin case (sometimes referred to as a housing) formed of a synthetic resin material. A plurality of external connection portions that are electrically connected to an internal electronic circuit are provided on the surface of the case.

This type of electronic function card generally has a shape in which a defect portion is formed on the right side or the left side so that the width dimension of the electronic function card is reduced at the portion facing forward when it is attached to the card connector. On the side of the case, there are formed a guide groove and a thin wall portion that serve as a guide when inserted into the card connector, and a holding portion formed by a leaf spring or the like when fitted in the card connector. A holding recess for mating is formed. When the holding recess and the holding portion are fitted, the card is held so as not to be easily detached in the card connector.
JP 2002-216906 A JP 2003-208947 A JP 2007-165229 A

  Some electronic function cards used as conventional memory devices have memory chips with different memory capacities in cases having the same shape and the same structure. This type of card has a memory capacity that is printed numerically on its surface, and the user can recognize the difference visually, but the shape and structure of the card are exactly the same. When the card is inserted into the card connector, the difference in memory capacity cannot be immediately recognized on the device side.

  Further, it is expected that the drive voltage of the internal electronic circuit should be made different according to the difference in the memory capacity or according to the difference in the function of the internal circuit as a future use of the electronic function card. In such a case, if the shape and structure of the card are exactly the same, the difference in drive voltage cannot be recognized on the device side when the card is inserted into the card connector. Detrimental effects such as circuit damage may occur.

  On the other hand, conventionally, as a card connector that commonly uses cards having different internal circuit functions or different interface standards, cards of different shapes can be mounted on the same connector as shown in Patent Document 2. There is something that was made. However, in order to be able to attach cards of different shapes with different functions to a common card connector, it is inevitable that the structure becomes complicated by providing a plurality of types of connection terminals inside the card connector. . In addition, it is necessary to individually provide a holding mechanism corresponding to each type of card in the card connector, and it is difficult to configure a small card connector.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and even if the specifications of the internal electronic circuit are different, the outer shape and structure of the case are almost the same and can be handled in the same way. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic function card capable of recognizing differences in specifications and types of internal electronic circuits at the time of installation.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a card connector capable of recognizing differences in specifications and types of electronic circuits in the case when the electronic function card is mounted.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic function provided with a case, an electronic circuit housed in the case, and a plurality of external connection portions that are electrically connected to the electronic circuit and appear on the surface of the case In the card,
The case has a first surface and a second surface facing in the thickness direction, a front end portion directed in the insertion direction into the card connector, a right side portion and a left side portion extending along the insertion direction, The external connection portion is provided on at least one surface of the first surface and the second surface,
At least one of the right side portion and the left side portion is provided with a guide identification groove that is recessed from the first surface to the middle of the thickness of the case and extends rearward from the front end portion, The longitudinal length dimension of the guide identification groove is different depending on the type of the electronic circuit inside the case.

  Preferably, an intermediate recess for holding the card is formed behind the guide identification groove, and the distance from the front end portion to the intermediate recess is irrespective of the length dimension in the vertical direction of the guide identification groove. The distance is constant.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a case, a first electronic circuit housed in the case, and a plurality of external connection portions that are electrically connected to the electronic circuit and appear on the surface of the case. In the electronic function card having the card and the second card,
In each of the first card and the second card, the case includes a first surface and a second surface that are opposed to each other in a thickness direction, a front end portion that is directed in an insertion direction into a card connector, and the insertion A right side portion and a left side portion extending along a direction, and the external connection portion is provided on at least one surface of the first surface and the second surface, and at least the right side portion and the left side portion. On one side, there is provided a guide identification groove that is recessed from the first surface to the middle of the thickness of the case and extends rearward from the front end portion,
The first card and the second card have different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the guide identification groove. Otherwise, the first card and the second card The shape and structure are the same, and the electronic circuit inside is different between the first card and the second card.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, an intermediate recess for holding the card is formed behind the guide identification groove, and the first card and the second card are connected to the front end portion. It can be configured that the distance to the intermediate recess is constant.

  In the first aspect of the invention and the second aspect of the invention, the basic shape, size, and structure of the case are the same even if the types of electronic circuits housed in the case are different. Only the length of the guide identification groove provided in front of the side portion of the case differs depending on the type of the internal circuit.

  When this electronic function card is inserted into the card connector, the guide identification groove of each card can be guided by a common guide part in the card connector, and the difference in the length of the guide identification groove is detected. As a result, when the card is inserted into the card connector, it can be detected by the difference in specifications and type of the internal electronic circuit, and a control operation suitable for each card can be immediately performed.

  For example, in the present invention, when the length of the guide identification groove is different, the drive voltage supplied to the internal electronic circuit is different.

  In this case, since the difference in voltage to be supplied to the internal electronic circuit can be recognized when the card is inserted into the card connector, an accident of supplying a different voltage by mistake can be prevented.

  Alternatively, according to the present invention, when the length of the guide identification groove is different, the memory capacity provided in the internal electronic circuit is different.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a card connector to which the electronic function card described in any of the above is mounted.
A guide section that allows the guide identification groove to pass therethrough and an identification detection mechanism that detects a difference in length of the guide identification groove are provided.

  For example, when the electronic function card is mounted at a normal position, the identification detection mechanism performs different operations depending on the position of the rear end portion of the guide identification groove.

In the present invention, a connection terminal that contacts an external connection portion provided on the electronic function card is provided in the card connector, and the control unit monitors the connection terminal, whereby the electronic function card is normal. It is possible to determine the type of the electronic function card that is installed by recognizing that the electronic function card is installed at a certain position and then checking the operating state of the identification detection mechanism.
By going through the determination process, the difference in the internal circuit of the card can be reliably identified.

  In addition, since the card has the same basic shape and structure, the card connector does not complicate the structure of the guide section, connection terminal, etc., and can handle cards containing multiple types of electronic circuits. It becomes possible.

  In the present invention, the basic structure and dimensions of the electronic function card are the same, but the difference in the specification and type of the internal electronic circuit can be detected only by the length of the guide identification groove.

  Therefore, the card connector does not require a complicated mechanism such as a guide portion for guiding the guide identification groove. Further, the position of the intermediate concave portion of the card does not change even if the length of the guide identification groove is different. Therefore, it is possible to hold cards having different specifications and types of internal electronic circuits by one holding unit provided in the card connector.

  Even if the internal circuits are different, the case has the same size and structure, so that it is easy to handle a plurality of types of cards having different drive voltages and capacities.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the card reader 20, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the card reader 20 with a lid removed. FIG. 4 is a front view of the card reader 20 with no card mounted as viewed from the front. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the card reader 20 with the lid removed, FIGS. 6 and 7 are plan views showing the state in which the first card is mounted, with the lid of the card reader 20 removed, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state where a card is mounted, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state where a third card is mounted. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the identification detection mechanism 70 for discriminating between the first card and the second card, and FIGS. 11A and 11B are enlarged side views showing the operation of the identification detection mechanism 70. is there.

  In FIG. 12 and subsequent figures, a card to be mounted on the card reader 20 is shown. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the first card C1, FIG. 13A is a left side view of the first card C1, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the first card C1 obliquely from below. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the second card C2.

(Shape of the first card)
The first card C1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 is used as a memory device such as a so-called multimedia card. The first card C1 has a plastic case 1 in which a memory chip such as a flash memory and an IC chip that functions as a memory controller are stored.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the case 1 has a front surface 1a that is a first surface and a back surface 1b that is a second surface. The front surface 1a and the back surface 1b are planes parallel to each other, and the distance between the front surface 1a and the back surface 1b is the thickness dimension T of the first card C1. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality (13) of external connection portions 5 are exposed in front of the back surface 1b. The surface of the external connection portion 5 is substantially flush with the back surface 1 b of the case 1.

  Here, “front surface” and “back surface” are names for convenience for distinguishing between the surface having the external connection portion 5 and the surface not having the external connection portion 5, even if the front surface 1 a is attached to the card reader 20. Alternatively, it may be mounted with the back surface 1b facing upward.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the case 1 has a front end 1c and a rear end 1d. It also has a right side 1e and a left side 1f.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the front end 1c is a plane perpendicular to the front surface 1a, and a front inclined surface 2 is formed at the corner between the front surface 1a and the back surface 1b. The rear end 1d is a plane perpendicular to the front surface 1a and the back surface 1b. The right side 1e and the left side 1f are planes perpendicular to the front surface 1a and the back surface 1b. As shown in FIG. 12, the boundary portion between the front end portion 1c and the right side portion 1e and the boundary portion between the front end portion 1c and the left side portion 1f, that is, the left and right side portions of the front end portion 1c are front portions that are part of a cylindrical surface. Corner curved surfaces 3 and 3 are formed. The rear corner curved surface 4, which is a part of the cylindrical surface, is also formed at the boundary between the rear end 1d and the right side 1e and the boundary between the rear end 1d and the left side 1f, that is, both the left and right sides of the rear end 1d. 4 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the plan view of the case 11 viewed from the surface 1a side, the shape of the case 1 is symmetrical to the left and right via a center line OO extending in the front-rear direction.

  In the front portion of the case 1, guide identification grooves 6 and 6 are formed which are recessed from the right side 1 e and the left side 1 f toward the center line OO. The guide identification grooves 6, 6 are parallel to the right side portion 1e and the left side portion 1f, and are provided on the inner side surfaces 6a, 6a located on the inner side by a distance W1 from the right side portion 1e and the left side portion 1f toward the center line OO. It has inner bottom surfaces 6c, 6c parallel to 1b. Inclined portions 6b and 6b are formed between the rear end of the right guide identification groove 6 and the right side 1e and between the rear end of the left guide identification groove 6 and the left side 1f, respectively. ing. The inclined portions 6b and 6b are surfaces that gradually move away from the center line OO toward the rear, and the inclined portions 6b and 6b are flat surfaces or curved surfaces having a curvature.

  The inclined portions 6 b and 6 b are stepped portions located at the rear end portions of the guide identifying grooves 6 and 6, and the stepped portions function as identification portions that operate the identification detection mechanism 70 provided in the card connector 20.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the guide identification grooves 6 and 6 are recessed from the front surface 1a of the case 1 toward the back surface 1b. The distance from the front surface 1a of the case 1 to the inner bottom surface 6c of the guide identification groove 6, that is, the depth dimension t1 from the front surface 1a to the back surface 1b of the guide identification grooves 6, 6 is the overall thickness dimension of the first card C1. It is almost 1/2 of T. Further, as a result of the guide identifying grooves 6 and 6 being recessed from the front surface 1a, the thin wall portions 7 and 7 which are portions sandwiched between the back surface 1b and the inner bottom surfaces 6c and 6c are formed on the back surface side. Is formed. The thickness dimension t2 of the thin portions 7 and 7 is also approximately ½ of the overall thickness dimension T of the first card C1.

  The guide identification grooves 6 and 6 are opened forward at the left and right sides of the front end 1c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the thickness dimension of the front end 1c is T at most of the center thereof, but the thickness dimension is t2 on both sides. As shown in FIG. 12, the length dimension L1 before and after the guide identification grooves 6 and 6 is the distance from the front end 1c of the case 1 to the rear ends of the inclined portions 6b and 6b.

  On the right side 1e and the left side 1f of the case 1, intermediate recesses 8 and 8 are formed at positions spaced apart by a distance L2 from the rear ends of the guide identification grooves 6 and 6. A longitudinal dimension L3 of the intermediate recesses 8, 8 is shorter than a longitudinal dimension L1 of the guide identification grooves 6, 6.

  The intermediate recesses 8 and 8 have inner ends 8a and 8a that are located closer to the center line OO than the right side 1e and the left side 1f and are parallel to the right side 1e and the left side 1f. The width dimension W2 from the right side 1e to the inner end 8a and the width dimension W2 from the left side 1f to the front inner end 8b are substantially the same as the width dimension W1 of the guide identification grooves 6 and 6.

  The intermediate recesses 8, 8 have a front inner end 8b and a rear inner end 8c, and the distance between the front inner end 8b and the rear inner end 8c is the length dimension L3 of the intermediate recesses 8, 8. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 14, the intermediate recesses 8 and 8 have inner bottom ends 8d and 8d, and the inner bottom ends 8d and 8d are parallel to the back surface 1b. The dimension from the surface 1a to the inner bottom ends 8d, 8d is the depth dimension t3 of the intermediate recesses 8, 8, and this depth dimension t3 is larger than the depth dimension t1 of the guide identification groove 6.

  When the first card C1 is mounted in the card reader 20, the holding portion 53 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) that has passed through the guide identification groove 6 is fitted into the intermediate recess 8 so that the first The card C1 is held by the slider 41 in the card reader 20.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the guide identification grooves 6 and 6 and the intermediate recesses 8 and 8 are both recessed from the front surface 1a toward the back surface 1b to the middle of the thickness dimension T. , 6 can be fitted into the intermediate recesses 8, 8 immediately after that. Moreover, since the inclined portions 6b and 6b are formed at the rear end portions of the guide identification grooves 6 and 6, the holding portion 53 is guided to the inclined portions 6b and 6b and smoothly fits in the intermediate recesses 8 and 8. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), the depth dimension t3 of the intermediate recesses 8 and 8 is larger than the depth dimension t1 of the guide identification grooves 6 and 6, so that it has passed through the guide identification grooves 6 and 6. The holding portion 53 can easily enter the intermediate recesses 8 and 8. Therefore, it is possible to position the first card C <b> 1 on the slider 41 in the card reader 20 by securely fitting the holding portion 53 to the intermediate recesses 8 and 8.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a knob recess 9 that is recessed from the surface 1 a is formed slightly inside the rear end 1 d of the case 1. As shown in FIG. 1, when the first card C <b> 1 is attached to the card reader 20, the rear end portion having the knob recess 9 protrudes from the card reader 20. The first card C <b> 1 can be pulled out from the card reader 20 by putting a fingernail on the knob recess 9.

(The shape of the second card)
FIG. 15 is the same plan view as FIG. 12 showing the second card C2.

  The second card C2 has a case 11 in which a memory chip and other IC chips are stored.

  The guide identification groove 16 formed in the case 11 of the second card C2 is longer than the guide identification groove 6 of the first card C1, but the first card C1 and the second card C2 have other shapes. Is the same in all. That is, the thickness dimension T, the width dimension W0, and the length dimension of the case 11 of the second card C2 are the same as the case 1 of the first card C1. The shape, size, and position of the intermediate recesses 8, 8 formed in the case 11 of the second card C2 are the same as those of the case 1 of the first card C1. In addition, in FIG. 15, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as the case 1 of the 1st card | curd C1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second card C2 shown in FIG. 15, guide identification grooves 16, 16 are formed on the left and right sides of the front. In the guide identification grooves 16 and 16, an inner surface 16a is formed at a position approaching the center line OO. The position of the inner side surface 16a, that is, the width dimension W1 of the guide identification grooves 16, 16 is the same as the width dimension W1 of the guide identification grooves 6, 6 of the case 1 shown in FIG. Further, the dimension from the surface 1a of the case 11 to the inner bottom surface 16c, that is, the depth dimension of the guide identification grooves 16, 16 is the depth dimension t1 of the guide identification grooves 6, 6 of the case 1 shown in FIG. The same. The case 11 of the second card C2 is provided with thin portions 17 and 17 on the back side of the guide identification grooves 6 and 6, but the width and thickness of the thin portions 17 and 17 are also the first dimension. This is the same as the thin portions 7 of the card C1.

  However, the length L11 of the guide identification grooves 16 and 16 and the thin portions 17 and 17 of the case 11 shown in FIG. 15, that is, the distance L11 from the front end 1c to the rear end of the inclined portion 16b is the case 1 shown in FIG. The guide identification grooves 6 and 6 and the thin portions 7 and 7 are longer than the length L1. In other words, the inclined portions 16b and 16b, which are stepped portions that function as identification portions, are located on the front side ((b) side) of the inclined portions 6b and 6b that are identification portions of the first card C1.

  The length dimension L3 of the intermediate recesses 8, 8 formed in the case 11 of the second card C2 is the same as the length dimension L3 of the intermediate recesses 8, 8 of the case 1. Further, the length dimension L11 + L12 shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the length dimension L1 + L2 shown in FIG. That is, the distance from the front end 1c in the case 11 shown in FIG. 15 to the front inner ends 8b, 8b of the intermediate recesses 8, 8 is the same as the distance in the case 1 shown in FIG.

  The number, position and shape of the external connection portions appearing on the back surface 1b of the case 11 of the second card C2 are the same as the external connection portions 5 appearing on the back surface 1b of the case 1 of the first card C1 shown in FIG. Exactly the same.

  A first card C1 and a second card C2 are mounted in the same manner on the card reader 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the card reader 20 is provided with a first connection terminal 55 commonly connected to both the external connection portion 5 of the first card C1 and the external connection portion of the second card C2. It has been.

  However, since the first card C1 and the second card C2 are different in the length dimensions L1 and L11 of the guide identification grooves 6 and 16 and the thin portions 7 and 17, the card reader 20 detects this difference. This makes it possible to recognize which card is installed.

  The difference in specifications between the first card C1 and the second card C2 is, for example, the difference in drive voltage, that is, the difference in voltage to be supplied to the circuits in the cases 1 and 11 via the external connection portion for power. is there. Alternatively, the difference in specifications is the difference in memory capacity of the memory chips housed in the cases 1 and 11. Alternatively, one of the first card C1 and the second card C2 has a memory chip with a large capacity and is mainly used for storing data, and the other is a read-only memory with a predetermined program built-in. Is used for supplying a control program.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, the case 1 of the first card C1 and the case 11 of the second card C2 are both symmetrical with respect to the center line OO, and the overall planar shape is It is a rectangle. Therefore, the space inside the cases 1 and 11 can be effectively used widely, and the internal IC chip and other circuits can be integrated and arranged while being small and thin.

  Moreover, since the guide identifying grooves 6 and 16 and the intermediate recess 8 are recessed only from the surface 1a side of the cases 1 and 11, it is easy to distinguish the front and back of the case. Moreover, since the guide identification grooves 6 and 16 are formed in the front area in the left and right side portions 1e and 1f, it is easy to distinguish the front and rear of the case. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the card reader 20 from being inserted in the wrong direction.

(3rd card shape)
As shown in FIG. 9, the card reader 20 can be loaded with a third card C3 in addition to the first card C1 and the second card C2. The entire width dimension W3 of the third card C3 is smaller than the width dimension W0 of the first card C1 and the second card C2. The third card C3 has a missing portion 17 on the right side of the front part, and the width dimension W4 of the front part is smaller than the entire width dimension W3. Further, on the right side, a recess 18 penetrating up and down of the case is formed on the near side ((b) side) with respect to the defect portion 17.

  The thickness dimension of the third card C3 is smaller than the thickness dimension T of the first card C1 and the second card C2. The third card C3 has, for example, the same shape as that called “microSD card”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the card reader 20 is in contact with the second connection terminal 58 that contacts the external connection portion of the third card C3, and the external connection portion of the first card C1 and the second card C2. The first connection terminal 55 is provided separately.

(Structure of card reader)
Next, the structure of the card reader 20 on which the various cards are mounted will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the card reader 20 has a case (housing) 21. The case (housing) 21 is composed of a synthetic resin case main body (housing main body) 22 and a lid 23 formed of a metal plate and placed over the case main body 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the case main body 22 has a frame shape. The case body 22 includes a front wall portion 24, a rear wall portion 25, a right wall portion 26, a left wall portion 27, and a bottom wall portion 28 that are integrally formed. The upper surface 24a of the front wall portion 24, the upper surface 25a of the rear wall portion 25, the upper surface 26a of the right wall portion 26 and the upper surface 27a of the left wall portion 27 are flush with each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the ceiling plate 23 a of the lid 23 is installed so as to be in close contact with the upper surfaces 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, and 27 a of the case body 22. The lid body 23 is provided with a rear side plate 23b, a right side plate 23c and a left side plate 23d, which are bent at a right angle from the ceiling plate 23a. The rear side plate 23b is installed on the outer surface of the rear wall portion 25 of the case body 22, and the right side plate 23c and the left side plate 23d are installed on the outer surface of the right wall portion 26 and the outer surface of the left wall portion 27 of the case main body 22, respectively. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness dimension of the case 21 is determined by the height dimension from the lower surface 28 a of the bottom wall portion 28 of the case body 22 to the upper surface of the ceiling plate 23 a of the lid body 23. Further, the height dimension Ta of the storage area for guiding and storing the card is determined by the height dimension from the upper surface 28 b of the bottom wall portion 28 of the case body 22 to the lower surface of the ceiling plate 23 a of the lid 23. The height dimension Ta is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the entire thickness dimension T of the first card C1 and the second card C2.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the inner surface of the left wall 27 of the case body 22 is a guide reference surface 27b, and the left side 1f of the first card C1 and the second card C2 is the guide reference surface. It is inserted toward the back side ((a) side) of the case 21 while sliding on 27b. A right guide surface 24b is formed on the front wall 24 of the case body 22, and the right side 1e of the first card C1 and the second card C2 is guided along the right guide surface 24b.

  The space between the guide reference surface 27b on the inner surface of the left wall portion 27 and the right guide surface 24b of the front wall portion 24 is the width dimension Wa of the storage area, and this width dimension Wa is equal to that of the first card C1 and the second width. The card C2 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the width W0.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an insertion port 29 having an opening area of Ta × Wa is opened at the front end of the case 21, and the first card C1, the second card C2, and the third card C3 It is inserted from the insertion port 29 toward the inside of the case 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an upper guide wall 31 that is formed integrally with the left wall portion 27 and extends into the storage area is provided inside the case main body 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the height dimension Tb from the upper surface 28b of the bottom wall portion 28 to the lower surface of the upper guide wall 31 is the thickness dimension t2 of the thin portion 7 of the first card C1 shown in FIG. It is almost the same as or slightly wider than that. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first card C1 is inserted in a normal direction with the front end 1c facing forward and the surface 1a facing upward, the thin-walled portion 7 The first card C1 can be inserted to the back of the case 21 by entering the lower side. However, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first card C1 is inserted with its rear end 1d facing forward or inserted reversely, the case body 22 hits the upper guide wall 31, 1 card C1 is not inserted to the back of the case 21. The same applies to the second card C2.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a regulation elevating member 32 is provided on the front side of the upper guide wall 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the regulation elevating member 32 projects upward from a notch formed in the bottom wall portion 28, and the regulation elevating member 32 is biased toward the projecting posture by a spring member (not shown). . Moreover, the surface which faces the insertion port 29 side of the regulation raising / lowering member 32 is the inclined surface 32a. The inclined surface 32 a has a shape that gradually increases from the upper surface 28 b of the bottom wall portion 28 toward the back side ((a) side) of the case 21.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the width dimension from the right side surface of the regulating elevating member 32 to the inner side surface 41 a of the slider 41 is Wb. This width dimension Wb is narrower than the width dimension W0 of the first card C1 and the second card C2 shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, and is almost the same as the overall width dimension W3 of the third card C3 shown in FIG. Or slightly wider than that.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the third card C3 is inserted from the insertion slot 29, the third card C3 passes between the regulation elevating member 32 and the inner side surface 41a of the slider 41. It is possible to enter the back of 21. Further, when the first card C1 or the second card C2 is inserted from the insertion slot 29, the front inclined surface 2 and the back surface 1b of this card ride on the inclined surface 32a of the regulation elevating member 32. The regulation elevating member 32 is pushed down by the force. Thereafter, the first card C <b> 1 or the second card C <b> 2 passes over the depressed regulation lifting member 32 and moves to the back of the case 21.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 and the like, on the right side of the case body 22, a guide portion 34 extending in the front-rear direction ((a)-(b) direction) is formed on the upper surface 28 b of the bottom wall portion 28. The guide portion 34 is a rail that is raised from the upper surface 28b. A slider 41 is provided inside the right wall portion 26 of the case main body 22, and the slider 41 is supported along the guide portion 34 so as to be linearly reciprocable in the front-rear direction.

  An inner side surface 41 a is formed on the left side of the slider 41. The inner side surface 41a is at the same position as the right guide surface 24b formed on the front wall portion 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide reference surface 27b formed on the left wall portion 27 and the inner side surface 41a are connected to each other. The width dimension is Wa. Similar to the right guide surface 24b described above, the first card C1 and the second card C2 can be guided between the guide reference surface 27b and the inner surface 41a.

  An urging member such as a coil spring is provided between the slider 41 and the case main body 22, and the slider 41 is urged toward the front side ((b) side) toward the front wall portion 24. .

  Between the slider 41 and the case 21, a lock mechanism 35 for locking the slider 41 on the back side ((a) side) is provided. The lock mechanism 35 includes a groove cam 42 formed on the upper surface of the slider 41 and a lock pin 36 provided on the case 21.

  The lock pin 36 has a proximal end portion 36a and a distal end portion 36b bent at a right angle. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the base end portion 36 a of the lock pin 36 is rotatably supported in a holding recess 24 c formed in the upper portion of the front wall portion 24 of the case body 22. The distal end portion 36 b of the lock pin 36 is slidably inserted into the groove cam 42. As shown in FIG. 1, a lock plate spring 37 is integrally formed on the right front side of the ceiling plate 23a of the lid body 23 formed of a metal plate. The lock leaf spring 37 is a cantilever support spring formed by cutting out a part of the ceiling plate 23a. The lock pin 36 is pressed by the lock plate spring 37, and the tip 36 b is pressed against the groove bottom of the groove cam 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the groove cam 42 includes a lock release portion 42a located at the end on the back side ((a) side), and a front side ((b) side) of the lock release portion 42a. It has the lock part 42b located in this. Between the lock release part 42a and the lock part 42b, a forward groove 42c is formed on the left side, and a return groove 42d is formed on the right side. Inside the groove cam 42, steps are formed at the boundary portions of the lock release portion 42a, the forward groove 42c, the lock portion 42b, and the return groove 42d, and the tip portion 36b of the lock pin 36 is connected to the lock release portion 42a → It is possible to slide only in the order of forward groove 42c → lock portion 42b → return groove 42d → lock release portion 42a, and the reverse process cannot be followed.

  In FIG. 5, the slider 41 is moved to the near side ((b) side) by the urging member and is abutted against the front wall portion 24 of the case main body 22. At this time, the distal end portion 36 b of the lock pin 36 is located in the lock release portion 42 a of the groove cam 42. When the first card C1, the second card C2, or the third card C3 is inserted from the insertion slot 29 and the slider 41 moves to the back side ((a) side) together with the card, as shown in FIG. The tip 36b of the pin 36 passes through the forward groove 42c of the groove cam 42, and then the tip 36b reaches the lock 42b of the groove cam 42 as shown in FIG. b) Locked so as not to return to side).

  Thereafter, when the card is pushed and the slider 41 is moved to the back side ((a) side) by a short distance, the tip end portion 36b of the lock pin 36 comes out of the lock portion 42b of the groove cam 42 and is guided to the return path groove 42d. Thus, the lock of the slider 41 is released. Therefore, the slider 41 returns to the initial position shown in FIG. 5 by the force of the urging member, and during this time, the distal end portion 36b of the lock pin 36 returns from the return path groove 42d to the lock release portion 42a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the slider 41 has a recess 41 b on the upper surface on the back side ((a) side) of the inner side surface 41 a. A support pin 43 protruding upward is formed integrally with the slider 41 by a synthetic resin material on the front side of the recess 41b, and the identification arm 44 is rotatably supported by the support pin 43.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the base of the identification arm 44 is provided with an identification convex portion 44a that protrudes integrally in the left direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the lower surface of the identification convex portion 44 a and the upper surface 28 b of the bottom wall portion 28 of the case body 22 is Tb, which is from the upper surface 28 b to the lower surface of the upper guide wall 31. It is the same as the height dimension. As shown in FIG. 4, the identification arm 44 has a sliding surface 44b formed below the identification convex portion 44a. As shown in FIG. 5, when the identification arm 44 is rotated counterclockwise, the sliding surface 44b is opposed to the identification recess 44a on the back side of the insertion port 29 as shown in FIG. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, when the first card C1 is inserted into the insertion slot 29 in the normal orientation, the thin portion 7 on the right side of the first card C1 moves downward to the identification convex portion 44a. The front corner curved surface 3 at the front end of the thin portion 7 comes into contact with the sliding surface 44b, and the identification arm 44 is rotated clockwise by the insertion force of the first card C1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the third card C3 is inserted in a normal orientation, the missing portion 17 on the right front side of the third card C3 slides with the identification convex portion 44a of the identification arm 44. It passes through the left side without hitting both of the surfaces 44b. Therefore, the third card C3 is mounted on the left side without the identification arm 44 rotating.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a reference stopper portion 45 that protrudes to the left of the inner side surface 41 a is integrally formed at the back end portion of the slider 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the surface facing the front side ((b) side) of the reference stopper portion 45 is a reference stopper surface 45a.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a stopper guide portion 46 extending in the left-right direction on the right side of the reference stopper portion 45 is integrally formed at the back end portion of the slider 41. A movable stopper 47 is supported on the stopper guide 46 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. A connecting pin 47 a is integrally formed on the upper surface of the movable stopper portion 47. A long hole 44c is formed at the tip of the identification arm 44, and the connecting pin 47a is slidably inserted into the long hole 44c. Therefore, on the slider 41, the movable stopper portion 47 moves in the left-right direction as the identification arm 44 rotates.

  As shown in FIG. 5, on the slider 41, a torsion spring 51 that functions as a rotation urging member is mounted on the outer periphery of the support pin 43, and the identification arm 44 is urged counterclockwise by the torsion spring 51. ing. As shown in FIG. 5, when the card is not loaded, the identification arm 44 rotates counterclockwise, and accordingly, the movable stopper portion 47 moves to the left and hits the reference stopper portion 45. Yes.

  A surface of the movable stopper portion 47 facing the insertion port 29 is a movable stopper surface 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the left side of the movable stopper surface 48 is a first stopper surface 48a, and the right side is a second stopper surface 48b. The first stopper surface 48a is formed at a position spaced apart from the upper surface 28b of the bottom wall portion 28 by a distance Tb. The second stopper surface 48b is formed on the lower side.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a holding recess 41c is formed on the upper surface of the front side ((b) side) of the slider 41, and a holding leaf spring 52 that functions as a holding member is provided in the holding recess 41c. It has been. The holding plate spring 52 is formed of a metal plate that functions as a plate spring material, bent into a U shape, and fitted into the holding recess 41c.

  A holding portion 53 is integrally formed at the free end of the holding leaf spring 52, and the holding portion 53 protrudes to the left in the drawing from the inner side surface 41 a of the slider 41. The holding portion 53 is bent in a V shape, and a portion facing the front side ((b) side) is an inclined guide portion 53a. The inclination guide part 53a is inclined so as to gradually move away from the card toward the front side ((b) side). A portion of the holding portion 53 that faces the back side ((a) side) is a locking portion 53b, and this locking portion 53b is in a direction substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction ((a)-(b) direction). Is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the holding portion 53 protrudes leftward from the inner side surface 41 a of the slider 41, but the height from the upper surface 28 b of the bottom wall portion 28 of the case body 22 to the lower edge of the holding portion 53. The dimension is set to be substantially the same as Tb or slightly wider than Tb.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a first connection terminal 55 is provided on the back side ((a) side) of the case body 22. The first connection terminals 55 are arranged in the same number and the same pitch as the external connection portions 5 exposed on the back surface 1b of the first card C1 and the second card C2 shown in FIG. A terminal support plate 57 is provided on the back side of the bottom of the case body 22, and a plurality of small holes 57 a are formed through the terminal support plate 57 in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the first connection terminals 55 are bent upward in a mountain shape, and each protrudes upward from the small hole 57a. The first connection terminal 55 is elastically deformable so that it can be retracted into the small hole 57a.

  In each of the first connection terminals 55, first external terminals 56 are continuously formed in a one-to-one relationship. As shown in FIG. 5, each first external terminal 56 projects rearward from the rear wall portion 25 of the case body 22. The first connection terminal 55 and the first external terminal 56 are individually connected, and are formed of a conductive metal plate having a surface plated with a low resistance noble metal material such as gold.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a second connection terminal 58 is provided closer to the insertion port 29 than the first connection terminal 55. The second connection terminals 58 are arranged in the same number and the same pitch as the external connection portions exposed on the lower surface of the third card C3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a movable support plate 61 is provided at the bottom of the case body 22, and a plurality of small holes 61 a are formed in the movable support plate 61 so as to penetrate vertically. Each of the second connection terminals 58 is bent upward in a mountain shape and protrudes upward from the small hole 61a.

  The movable support plate 61 is supported so as to be rotatable up and down about an axis provided on the near side ((b) side) of the second connection terminal 58. The movable support plate 61 is lifted upward by the elastic force of the second connection terminal 58.

  When the first card C1 and the second card C2 are inserted from the insertion slot 29, the front inclined surface 2 of the first card C1 or the second card C2 rides on the movable support plate 61, and the first card C1 and the second card C2 The movable support plate 61 is pushed down by the back surface 1b of the card C1 or the second card C2. When the movable support plate 61 is pushed down and pivots downward, the second connection terminal 58 is pushed down by the movable support plate 61, and each second connection terminal 58 becomes a small hole in the movable support plate 61. Retreat inside 61a. Therefore, the external connection portion 5 provided on the back surface 1b of the first card C1 or the second card C2 passes over the second connection terminal 58 and does not hit the second connection terminal 58. Move to the side.

  On the other hand, when the third card C3 shown in FIG. 9 is inserted from the insertion slot 29, the third card C3 is smaller in thickness than the first card C1 and the second card C2, and therefore the second card The third card C3 is pressed against the lower surface of the ceiling plate 23a of the lid 23 by being lifted by the connection terminal 58 and the movable support plate 61. Then, each of the second connection terminals 58 is conducted to an external connection portion provided on the back surface of the third card C3.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each second connection terminal 58 is integrally formed with a second external terminal 59, and each second external terminal 59 is located on the near side at the bottom of the case body 22. It projects to the ((b) side). The second connection terminal 58 and the second external terminal 59 are integrally formed of a conductive metal plate whose surface is plated with a low resistance noble metal material such as gold.

(Structure of identification detection mechanism)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, an identification detection mechanism 70 is provided on the left side of the case 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a housing recess 27 c is formed in the left wall 27 of the case body 22, and a detection movable member 71 constituting the identification detection mechanism 70 is stored in the storage recess 27 c. ing. The components constituting the detection movable member 71 and the identification detection mechanism 70 do not protrude to the right of the guide reference surface 27b, which is the inner surface of the left wall 27, and the identification detection mechanism 70 does not hinder card insertion. It is comprised outside the side part rather than the storage area of the card.

  As shown in FIG. 10 in an enlarged manner, the detection movable member 71 is integrally formed with a support shaft portion 71a at the end on the insertion port 29 side ((b) side). In the storage recess 27c, the storage recess 27c is rotatably supported in a support hole formed in the left wall 27. Therefore, the detection movable member 71 is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise with the support shaft portion 71a as a fulcrum.

  A holding shaft 71b is integrally formed on the detection movable member 71, and a ring-shaped holding recess 71c is formed on the outer periphery of the holding shaft 71b. The detection movable member 71 is provided with a torsion spring 72. The torsion spring 72 is formed of a conductive metal wire, and a low resistance metal layer such as gold is plated on the surface thereof. The winding portion 72a of the torsion spring 72 is mounted in a holding recess 71c on the outer periphery of the holding shaft portion 71b. The respective arm portions of the torsion spring 72 are an elastic contact 72b and an elastic contact 72c, and the wire forming the torsion spring 72 is bent into a V shape at the tip of the elastic contact 72b and the tip of the elastic contact 72c. Yes.

  In the case body 22, a pair of contacts 73 and 74 are provided on the bottom surface 27 d of the storage recess 27 c. The contact 73 and the contact 74 are metal plates, and a low resistance metal layer such as gold is formed on the surfaces 73a and 74a by plating. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the contact 73 and the contact 74 are embedded in the bottom surface 27d of the housing recess 27c, and the surface 73a of the contact 73 and the surface 74a of the contact 74 are the bottom surface 27d. Appears on the same plane. Therefore, almost no step appears between the surfaces 73a and 74a of the contacts 73 and 74 and the bottom surface 27d.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the elastic contact 72b is always in contact with the surface 73a of the elastic contact 73, and the elastic contact 72c is in contact with the surface 74a or the bottom surface 27d of the contact 74. Due to the elastic force of the elastic contacts 72b and 72c, an upward biasing force is acting on the detection movable member 71, and the detection movable member 71 is about to rotate clockwise around the support shaft portion 71a.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the ceiling plate 23a of the lid body 23 is provided with a detection leaf spring 76 on the left side. The detection plate spring 76 has a notch 23e formed in a part of the ceiling plate 23a, and a part of the metal plate forming the ceiling plate 23a is cut out as a cantilever plate spring inside the notch 23e. Thus, it is formed integrally with the ceiling plate 23a.

  The detection leaf spring 76 has a proximal end portion 76a on the front side ((b) side). The detection leaf spring 76 has a straight portion 76b extending substantially linearly from the base end portion 76a toward the back direction ((a) direction), and an inclined portion 76c continuous with the straight portion 76b. The oblique portion 76c is gradually turned to the left as it goes to the back side ((a) side). A pressing portion 76d extending linearly toward the back direction (direction (a)) is formed at the tip of the oblique portion 76c.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a part of the straight part 76b and a part of the oblique part 76c of the detection leaf spring 76 are provided at a position overlapping the storage area. That is, when the first card C1 or the second card C2 is inserted in a normal direction, a part of the straight part 76b and a part of the oblique part 76c are positioned above the passing area of these cards. Yes. A portion of the detection leaf spring 76 that overlaps the card passage region is a detection action portion 76e. As shown in FIG. 11B, when an external force is not acting on the detection plate spring 76, the detection plate spring 76 extends slightly downward toward the inside of the case body 22. However, the detection leaf spring 76 may be deformed obliquely downward toward the inside of the case body 22 at the detection action portion 76e.

  The pressing portion 76d at the tip of the detection leaf spring 76 does not overlap the moving area of the first card C1 or the second card C2, and extends to a position off the left side of the moving area. A projecting curved surface portion 71 d is formed on the upper surface of the detection movable member 71. Since the detection movable member 71 is urged upward by the elastic contacts 72 b and 72 c, the projecting curved surface portion 71 d is pressed against the lower surface of the pressing portion 76 d of the detection plate spring 76.

  As described above, the elastic force of the elastic contact 72b and the elastic contact 72c is acting upward on the detection movable member 71, but the elastic force that the pressing portion 76d of the detection leaf spring pushes the detection movable member 71 downward is not. The elastic contacts 72b and 72c are sufficiently larger than the force that pushes the detection movable member 71 upward.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, when the first card C1 is loaded in the normal orientation and moved to the normal loading position, the inclined portion of the rear end portion of the left guide identification groove 6 of the first card C1. 6b abuts against the detection action portion 76e of the detection plate spring 76, and the detection plate spring 76 is lifted upward. Therefore, the detection movable member 71 is rotated clockwise by the force of the elastic contacts 72b and 72c. At this time, the elastic contact 72c is detached from the surface 74a of the contact 74, and the contact 73 and the contact 74 are in a non-conductive state.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, when the second card C2 is mounted in the normal direction to the far side, the inclined portion 16b at the rear end of the left guide identification groove 16 of the second card C2 is It is located on the insertion port 29 side, and the inclined portion 16b does not move to below the detection action portion 76e of the detection plate spring 76. Therefore, no upward force is applied to the detection operation portion 76e, and the detection movable member 71 is pushed downward by the detection plate spring 76. Therefore, the elastic contact 72 c moves onto the surface 74 a of the contact 74, and the contact 73 and the contact 74 are brought into conduction via the torsion spring 72.

(Normal insertion operation of the first card)
Next, a card mounting operation to the card reader 20 will be described.

  2, 6 and 7 show the operation when the first card C1 is mounted in the normal orientation.

  When the card is not loaded, as shown in FIG. 5, the slider 41 moves to the insertion slot 29 side ((b) side), and the identification arm 44 rotates counterclockwise on the slider 41. The movable stopper portion 47 has moved to the left side.

  The first card C1 is formed on the right side of the case 1 of the first card C1 when inserted from the insertion slot 29 in a normal posture with the front end 1c facing forward and the surface 1a facing upward. The thin wall portion 7 thus passed passes below the holding portion 53 formed by the holding leaf spring 52 provided on the front side of the slider 41.

  Further, the thin portion 7 on the right side passes below the identification convex portion 44a of the identification arm 44 and moves in the region of the height Tb shown in FIG. At this time, the front corner curved surface 3 on the right side of the first card C <b> 1 hits the sliding surface 44 b positioned below the identification convex portion 44 a of the identification arm 44. When the first card C1 is pushed in, the sliding surface 44b is pushed by the front corner curved surface 3, and the identification arm 44 is rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. The upper movable stopper 47 is moved to the right. Therefore, the leading end of the thin portion 7 on the right side of the first card C1 passes under the first stopper surface 48a located on the left side of the stopper surface 48 formed on the movable stopper portion 47. Move further back.

  On the other hand, the thin front portion 7 on the left front side of the first card C1 slides on the inclined surface 32a of the restriction elevating member 32 shown in FIGS. The member 32 is pushed down. And the left thin part 7 enters in the space | interval Tb between the upper surface 28b of the bottom wall part 28 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the front end portion 1 c of the first card C <b> 1 hits a reference stopper surface 45 a of a reference stopper portion 45 provided on the back side of the slider 41.

  During this time, the holding portion 53 of the holding leaf spring 52 provided on the slider 41 passes through the inside of the guide identification groove 6 on the right side of the first card C1, that is, passes over the thin portion 7 and passes through the guide identification groove 6. 6 hits the rear inclined portion 6b. Since the holding portion 53 is pushed rightward by the inclined portion 6 b, the holding leaf spring 52 is deformed and the holding portion 53 is temporarily retracted into the holding recess 41 c of the slider 41. Then, when the holding portion 53 slides the right side 1e of the first card C1 by the distance L2 and reaches the intermediate recess 8, the holding portion 53 is moved to the right intermediate recess 8 by the elastic return force of the holding leaf spring 52. Fits inside.

  At this time, since the inclined guide portion 53a facing toward the front side of the holding portion 53 slides on the inclined portion 6b inclined in the same direction, the first card C1 is pushed into the case 21 with a light force and held. The portion 53 can be fitted into the intermediate recess 8. Then, after the fitting, the locking portion 53b formed in the holding portion 53 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the card insertion direction is hooked to the front inner end 8b of the intermediate recess portion 8, so that the first It becomes difficult for the card C1 to come out in the forward direction (direction (b)).

  As shown in FIG. 13A, in the first card C1, the depth dimension t3 of the intermediate recess 8 is deeper than the depth dimension t1 of the guide identification groove 6 located at the front. Therefore, the holding portion 53 that has passed through the inside of the guide identification groove 6 can be reliably fitted into the inside of the intermediate recess 8. That is, when the first card C1 is inserted from the insertion slot 29, if the thin portion 7 on the right front side can be put into the space of the lower height Tb shown in FIG. By pushing in the first card C1, the holding portion 53 can be reliably fitted into the intermediate recess 8 of the first card C1. Therefore, it is easy to prevent an insufficient mounting state such that the holding portion 53 cannot enter the intermediate concave portion 8 while being in contact with the right side portion 1e of the first card C1.

  Since the inclined portion 6b exists behind the guide identification groove 6 of the first card C1 and the depth t3 of the intermediate recess 8 is formed large, when the first card C1 is inserted, The resistance force is small, and the holding portion 53 can be reliably fitted into the intermediate recess 8. Therefore, when the first card C1 is inserted, the slider 41 opposes the elastic biasing force at a point before the holding portion 53 is fitted into the intermediate concave portion 8 from the initial position shown in FIG. This makes it easier to prevent malfunctions that start inadvertently.

  When the first card C1 is pushed in after the holding portion 53 is fitted into the intermediate recess 8, the reference stopper surface 45a formed on the slider 41 is pushed by the front end 1c of the first card C1, and the first card C1 is pushed. The card C1 and the slider 41 move together as a unit. When the first card C1 reaches the mounting completion position shown in FIG. 7, the lock portion 42b of the groove cam 42 formed on the slider 41 is engaged with the tip portion 36b of the lock pin 36, and the slider 41 is moved. Locked in that position.

  At this time, each of the first connection terminals 55 provided on the back side of the case main body 22 is pressed against each of the external connection portions 5 exposed on the back surface 1b of the first card C1, as shown in FIG. Connected.

  When the first card C1 is inserted in a normal state, as shown in FIG. 11A, the identification detection mechanism 70 is inclined as a stepped portion behind the guide identification groove 6 on the left side of the first card C1. The detection action portion 76e of the detection leaf spring 76 formed integrally with the ceiling plate 23a is lifted upward by the portion 6b. Therefore, the detection movable member 71 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the elastic force of the elastic contacts 72b and 72c, and the elastic contact 72c is detached from the surface 74a of the contact 74, and on the bottom surface 27d which is a part of the case main body 22. Move to.

  When the first card C1 is detached from the card reader 20, as shown in FIG. 7, the first card C1 is pushed to the back side ((a) side) from a normally mounted state. When the slider 41 moves slightly backward together with the first card C1, the tip end portion 36b of the lock pin 36 is disengaged from the lock portion 42b of the groove cam 42, and the slider 41 is moved forward ((b ) Side). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the slider 41 returns to the initial position, and the rear end portion of the first card C <b> 1 is projected from the insertion slot 29.

(Normal insertion of the second card)
FIG. 8 shows a state in which the second card C2 is normally attached to the card reader 20. As is clear from comparison between FIGS. 7 and 8, the operation of each member when the second card C2 is mounted, that is, the operation of the holding portion 53 of the holding leaf spring 52, the identification arm 44 and the movable stopper The operation of the unit 47 is exactly the same as when the first card C1 is inserted.

  The only difference is the operation of the identification detection mechanism 70 shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8, the second card C2 has a long guide identifying groove 16 and a thin portion 17 provided on both left and right side portions, and when the second card C2 is normally inserted, the guide identifying groove is provided. An inclined portion 16 b, which is an identification portion located at the rear end portion of 16, is located on the side close to the insertion port 29. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the second card C2 is normally mounted, the inclined portion 16b is positioned on the front side ((b) side) of the detection action portion 76e of the detection leaf spring 76. Thus, the detection movable member 71 remains pressed downward by the pressing portion 76d of the detection plate spring 76.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11B, the detection movable member 71 is rotated counterclockwise, and the elastic contact 72 c is in contact with the surface 74 a of the contact 74. Therefore, the contact 73 and the contact 74 are made conductive through the torsion spring 72.

(Identification detection operation of the first card and the second card)
The identification operation of whether the first card C1 is normally installed or whether the second card C2 is normally installed is performed as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the first card C1 is normally inserted, the first connection terminals 55 individually contact the external connection portions 5 provided on the back surface 1b of the first card C1. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, when the second card C2 is normally inserted, the first connection terminal 55 individually contacts the external connection portion 5 provided on the back surface of the second card C2. To do.

  A control unit built in the card reader 20 or a control unit provided in a mother device to which the card reader 20 is connected, such as various electronic devices and personal computers, monitors the first connection terminal 55. When it is detected that the first connection terminal 55 is in contact with the external connection unit 5, it is recognized that one of the cards is mounted. For example, when any one of the plurality of external connection parts 5 provided on the card is short-circuited, the control unit uses the first connection terminal 55 corresponding to the short-circuited external connection part 5. By monitoring and detecting whether or not the first connection terminals 55 are short-circuited, it can be recognized that either the first card C1 or the second card C2 is mounted.

  The control unit also monitors whether or not the contact 73 and contact 74 of the identification detection mechanism 70 shown in FIG. 10 are in a conductive state. Whether the contact 73 and the contact 74 are conductive when the control unit recognizes that the first card C1 or the second card C2 is mounted due to a short circuit between the first connection terminals 55 or the like. Confirm. As shown in FIG. 11A, when the contact 73 and the contact 74 are not conductive, it is determined that the first card C1 is attached. As shown in FIG. 11B, if the contact 73 and the contact 74 maintain the conductive state, it is determined that the second card C2 is attached.

  Then, the control unit performs a control operation suitable for the specifications of the first card C1 and the second card C2. For example, when the driving voltage is different between the first card C1 and the second card C2, a different voltage is supplied for each card. When the memory capacity of the first card C1 is different from that of the second card C2, information on the remaining memory capacity of each card is taken into the control unit, and the subsequent recording data amount is adjusted.

(Incorrect insertion of the first card or the second card)
FIG. 3 shows a state where the first card C1 is inserted from the insertion slot 29 with the rear end 1d facing forward.

  As shown in FIG. 4, since the identification convex portion 44a of the identification arm 44 is located on the card insertion path, the rear end portion 1d of the first card C1 hits the identification convex portion 44a. When the first card C1 is pushed in as it is, the identification arm 44 is rotated in the clockwise direction, and the movable stopper portion 47 is moved in the right direction. However, also at this time, the rear end 1d remains in contact with the identification convex portion 44a, and the first card C1 does not advance further to the back side relative to the slider 41. Thereafter, when the first card C1 is pushed in, the slider 41 is pushed together, but the rear end 1d of the first card C1 remains in contact with the identification convex portion 44a. C1 cannot enter the case 21 completely.

  Further, when the slider 41 is pushed into the back side together with the first card C1, the rear end 1d of the first card C1 hits the upper guide wall 31 located on the left side of the storage area as shown in FIG. After that, the first card C1 and the slider 41 cannot move to the back side. When the rear end portion 1d of the first card C1 hits the upper guide wall 31, the lock mechanism 35 reaches the position where the front end portion 36b of the lock pin 36 is engaged with the lock portion 42b of the groove cam 42. Not reached. Therefore, even if the first card C1 is pushed in the state shown in FIG. 3, the slider 41 is not locked. If the force applied to the first card C1 is removed, the slider 41 is moved forward ((a The first card C <b> 1 is pushed back into the insertion slot 29 by the elastic force of the urging member that returns to the) direction).

  Also, when the first card C1 is inserted from the insertion slot 29 with the front end 1c facing forward and the back 1b facing upward, as shown in FIG. 3, the rear end 1d is inserted forward. It is the same as when Further, this erroneous insertion is the same for the second card C2.

(Third card insertion operation)
FIG. 9 shows a state in which the third card C3 is normally attached to the card reader 20.

  The width dimension W3 of the third card C3 is smaller than the width dimension W0 of the first card C1 and the second card C2. Therefore, when the third card C3 is inserted so as to be biased to the right with respect to the insertion slot 29, the third card C3 has a width dimension Wb between the regulation lifting member 32 and the inner side surface 41a of the slider 41. It is inserted toward the back so as to move inside the region (see FIG. 5).

  Since the third card C3 has the missing portion 17 on the right side, the tip of the card does not hit the identification convex portion 44a of the identification arm 44. Therefore, the identification arm 44 remains rotated counterclockwise, and the movable stopper portion 47 remains moved to the left. Then, the front end portion of the third card C3 hits the first stopper surface 48a and the second stopper surface 48b (see FIG. 4) of the movable stopper portion 47, and at this time, the holding portion 53 of the holding leaf spring 52 is The right side portion of the case of the third card C3 is fitted into the concave portion 18 penetrating vertically.

  If the third card C3 is pushed into the case 21 as it is, the slider 41 is pushed together. As shown in FIG. 9, the left side portion of the third card C <b> 3 is inserted to the back side of the case 21 without hitting the upper guide wall 31. Then, the distal end portion 36b of the lock pin 36 is hooked on the lock portion 42b of the groove cam 42, and the slider 41 is locked.

  At this time, the second connection terminal 58 provided on the bottom of the case body 22 is individually connected to the external connection provided on the lower surface of the third case C3. The control unit recognizes that the third card C3 is normally mounted by monitoring the short-circuit state of the second connection terminal 58 and the like.

(Modification of the first card)
FIG. 13B is a left side view showing a modified example Ca1 of the first card.

  In this modified example Ca1, an inclined portion 6B provided behind the guide identifying groove 6A is different from the inclined portion 6b of the first card C1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the inclined portion 6b of the first card C1 is inclined so as to gradually move away from the center line OO toward the rear end portion 1d, but the inclined surface 6b is the surface 1a. Is a vertical plane.

  On the other hand, the inclined portion 6B of the modified example Ca1 is inclined so as to gradually move away from the center line OO toward the rear end portion 1d, similarly to the first card C1, but is further inclined. 6B is not a plane perpendicular to the surface 1a, but is inclined so as to gradually approach the surface 1a toward the rear end 1d. That is, the inclined portion 6B is inclined three-dimensionally.

  When this modified example Ca1 is attached to the card reader 20, in the insertion process, the holding portion 53 slides on the inclined portion 6B and further slides on the left side portion 1e and then fits in the intermediate recess 8. Will be able to match.

  Furthermore, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 13B, the modified example Ca1 can be attached to a card reader having a holding portion 153 that represses from the surface 1a side of the card. In this case, when the modified example Ca1 is inserted into the card reader, the holding portion 153 passes through the guide identification groove 6A, and the holding portion 153 slides on the inclined portion 6B and climbs onto the surface 1a of the card. Thereafter, the holding portion 153 is fitted into the intermediate recess 8.

  As described above, the modified example Ca1 can be mounted not only on a card reader having the holding portion 53 but also on a card reader having a holding portion 153 facing from the front surface 1a as shown in FIG. 13B. It will be a thing.

The perspective view which shows the card connector of embodiment of this invention, The perspective view which shows the state which inserted the 1st card | curd in the card connector, removing a cover body, The perspective view which shows the state by which the 1st card was attached to the card connector in the wrong direction, removing a cover body, Front view showing the card connector from the insertion slot, A plan view showing a card connector without a card, with the lid removed, The top view which shows the card connector in the middle of mounting | wearing with a 1st card | curd, removing a cover body, The top view which shows the card connector which mounting | wearing of the 1st card was completed, remove | eliminating a cover body, The top view which shows the card connector which mounting | wearing of the 2nd card was completed, remove | eliminating a cover body, The top view which shows the card connector which mounting | wearing of the 3rd card was completed, remove | eliminating a cover body, Partial perspective view showing the structure of the identification detection mechanism, (A) (B) is an enlarged side view showing the operation of the identification detection mechanism; A plan view of the first card, (A) is a left side view of the first card, (B) is a left side view showing a modification of the first card, The perspective view which shows the 1st card from the bottom, A plan view of the second card,

Explanation of symbols

C1 1st card C2 2nd card C3 3rd card 1,11 Case 1a Front surface 1b which is the 1st surface Back surface 1c which is the 2nd surface Front end part 1d Rear end part 1e Right side part 1f Left side part 5 External Connection portions 6 and 16 Guide identification grooves 6b and 16b Inclined portions 7 and 17 Thin portion 8 Intermediate recess 20 Card reader 21 Case 22 Case body 23 Lid 41 Slider 55 First connection terminal 58 Second connection terminal

Claims (9)

In an electronic function card provided with a case, an electronic circuit housed in the case, and a plurality of external connection portions that are electrically connected to the electronic circuit and appear on the surface of the case,
The case has a first surface and a second surface facing in the thickness direction, a front end portion directed in the insertion direction into the card connector, a right side portion and a left side portion extending along the insertion direction, The external connection portion is provided on at least one surface of the first surface and the second surface,
At least one of the right side portion and the left side portion is provided with a guide identification groove that is recessed from the first surface to the middle of the thickness of the case and extends rearward from the front end portion, The electronic function card according to claim 1, wherein a length dimension of the guide identification groove in a vertical direction is different depending on a type of the electronic circuit inside the case.   An intermediate recess for holding the card is formed behind the guide identification groove, and the distance from the front end to the intermediate recess is constant regardless of the longitudinal length of the guide identification groove. The electronic function card according to claim 1. A first card and a second card provided with a case, an electronic circuit housed in the case, and a plurality of external connection portions that are connected to the electronic circuit and appear on the surface of the case In an electronic function card having
In each of the first card and the second card, the case includes a first surface and a second surface that are opposed to each other in a thickness direction, a front end portion that is directed in a direction of insertion into a card connector, and the insertion. A right side portion and a left side portion extending along a direction, and the external connection portion is provided on at least one surface of the first surface and the second surface, and at least the right side portion and the left side portion. On one side, a guide identification groove is provided that is recessed from the first surface to the middle of the thickness of the case and extends rearward from the front end portion,
The first card and the second card have different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the guide identification groove. Otherwise, the first card and the second card An electronic function card having the same shape and structure, wherein the first card and the second card have different internal electronic circuits.   An intermediate recess for holding a card is formed behind the guide identification groove, and the distance from the front end to the intermediate recess is constant between the first card and the second card. The electronic function card according to claim 3.   The electronic function card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the length of the guide identification groove is different, a driving voltage supplied to the internal electronic circuit is different.   The electronic function card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the length of the guide identification groove is different, the memory capacity provided in the electronic circuit inside is different. In the card connector to which the electronic functional card according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is mounted,
A card connector, comprising: a guide portion that passes through the guide identification groove; and an identification detection mechanism that detects a difference in length of the guide identification groove.   The card connector according to claim 7, wherein when the electronic function card is mounted at a normal position, the identification detection mechanism performs a different operation depending on a position of a rear end portion of the guide identification groove.   A connection terminal that comes into contact with the external connection section provided on the electronic function card is provided, and the control section recognizes that the electronic function card is mounted at a normal position by monitoring the connection terminal. The card connector according to claim 7 or 8, wherein after that, the type of the electronic function card mounted is determined by confirming the operating state of the identification detection mechanism.

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